Our targets

How we measure success:

Reduce our Scope 1, 2 & 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 35% aligned with the best-available climate science
Reduce our water use by 25% and implement context-based water management plans at all mills
Our approach

We are committed to sustainability across our value chain.

International Paper plays a significant role in responding to the global climate challenge, as reflected in our ambitious commitment to improve our climate impact. We recognize that we have a responsibility to manage our climate-related risks and an opportunity to advance a low-carbon economy in support of decarbonizing the planet. 

Our worldwide operations use renewable natural resources to meet the growing global demand for sustainable fiber products. We are applying the best available science to improve our climate impact and advance water stewardship. Our operations are resource-intensive, so we have a big role to play. And, our goals are ambitious – it will take time. 

Our strategy to achieve our Sustainable Operations goal is to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel, improve energy efficiency and expand our use of renewable energy. We will reduce our operational water use intensity to improve our footprint across our businesses, operations and value chain.

We have created a great foundation from which to continue our progress. Since 2010, we’ve continually reduced fossil fuel use and GHG emissions by reducing our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by more than 20%. Our progress has enabled us to build momentum and develop the forward pathways to achieve our GHG reduction target over the next decade. 

Reducing our Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 35% is one of our most ambitious Vision 2030 goals and the most challenging part of our climate strategy. We still have many questions to answer, but we know the direction in which we must head. 

Our GHG emissions reduction target was derived using a methodology approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global collaboration of nongovernmental organizations and experts that has defined best practices and a scientifically informed methodology for emissions reductions. Our GHG emissions target is in line with the Paris Climate Agreement goal to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

For scope 1, our fossil fuel emissions, we are continuing to focus on projects and initiatives that improve energy efficiency and increase biomass usage to produce steam and electricity – this is also part of our scope 2 strategy. The more energy we generate the less we rely on utility provided energy, and we are exploring renewable power initiatives to add renewable energy capacity to the grid. We are building a pathway to our scope 3 targeted reductions using a collaborative approach with our suppliers and customers. 

In all cases, we will benefit from the overall greening of the grid. Many of our suppliers and customers have their own GHG targets, and we support a favorable policy environment for climate change mitigation.

We’re committed to improving our climate impact and advancing water stewardship, because we know that’s what’s needed for a livable world and a thriving society.
 

Strategic collaborations and initiatives

We recognize the importance of strategic collaboration to make meaningful progress across our value chain.

  • CDP

    We report annually to customers, shareholders and the general public through CDP questionnaires on climate, forests and water, and we participate in the CDP supply chain program within our supply network.

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay®

    This is a U.S. public-private initiative to reduce GHG and air pollution created by freight transportation.

  • S&P Global’s Climanomics

    A scenario-modeling tool developed by a team of climate scientists, economists, data and financial specialists, help IP generate a climate risk scenario analysis report to better understand our specific climate risks and opportunities under a variety of climate scenarios.

  • Savannah River Clean Water Fund

    The Savannah River Clean Water Fund is a coordinated effort to permanently protect and responsibly manage forests – nature’s water filter – in the Savannah River watershed. The first of its kind in Georgia and in South Carolina, the Fund convenes diverse stakeholders around the common goal of protecting forests for the many benefits they provide to local communities, economies and wildlife. The Fund comprises representatives from five public water utilities in Georgia and South Carolina, state environmental and forestry agencies, local land trusts, and others. International Paper represents the first company from the private sector to join the effort.

  • Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

    The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies establish science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and transform business operations to fit the future low-carbon economy. Targets adopted by companies to reduce GHG emissions are considered to be "science based" if they are in line with what the latest climate science says is necessary to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. International Paper’s 35% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target across scopes 1, 2 and 3 has been approved by SBTi as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

  • U.S. Department of Energy's Better Climate Challenge

    The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is challenging organizations to set ambitious, portfolio-wide GHG emission reduction goals. As a partner in DOE’s Better Climate Challenge, International Paper is one of more than 80 organizations across the U.S. economy that are stepping up to the Challenge and driving real-world action toward a low-carbon future. International Paper is committed to reduce GHG emissions by 35% by 2030, aligned with the best available climate science, and to work with DOE to share successful solutions and decarbonization strategies.

  • World Resources Institute (WRI) Aqueduct Alliance

    The Aqueduct Alliance brings together leading companies, governments and foundations to gain strategic guidance and industry insight from WRI's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas team and water stewardship activities. The Alliance serves as a space for members to engage WRI and to stay at the forefront of thought leadership in water stewardship.